Lists

I facilitate a grant funded class at the Gibson Library in Henderson, NV, called Fiction Writing through Prompts. They added the word “Writing.” We spend a bit of time learning about a literary device–today’s device was diacope–and then we spend 20 minutes writing to a prompt from Kitely’s excellent book, The 3 AM Epiphany. Today’s prompt was about lists, creating a list that through the list, without much narrative, tells a story. As usual, there was a mix of autobiographical and fiction that came out in the moment. One participant remarked about how well she felt she got to know so many in the room because of the assignment and that helped bring on my own feelings of gratitude. Another new writer sought advice after the class. The librarian who wrote the project grant was pleased because the room, once again, was rather full.

There are moments when I don’t know what I’m doing or where I’m headed. And, then there are moments like today where I spend a few hours with a group of writers and help them become a little better at their craft. It’s the journey. We not only become better at writing by writing, but we become better at being human by hanging out with and helping other writers become better at their own craft. That’s one way to keep breathing for another day, to pass the open windows and keep breathing for another day.

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2 thoughts on “Lists”

I can’t thank you enough for all the encouraging things you do with all of us. This is your calling and don’t you dare ever feel like you’re not doing a great job with us.
I write because of the way you critique me. You gave me the courage to believe I could write.